Unlike smoked tobacco that is used periodically during the day, smokeless tobacco is used constantly, exposing users to high levels of nicotine throughout the day, resulting in high levels of dependence.
Chewing tobacco and other smokeless tobacco products may be perceived better than cigarettes, but these products can harm the body just like cigarettes, and may even have additional health risks. In fact, there is more than twice as much nicotine in smokeless tobacco as compared to an average cigarette. Also, unlike smoked tobacco that is used periodically during the day, smokeless tobacco is used constantly, exposing users to high levels of nicotine throughout the day. This results in high levels of dependence.
Chewing tobacco usually comes as leaves or in powder form which you put on the inside of your cheek and chew or absorb. It releases the flavours and nicotine causing the mouth to make a lot of saliva. Smokeless tobacco goes by many different names such as paan masala (gutkha), khaini, nass, naswat or niswar, zarda, supari.
Oral cancer is one of the most common outcomes of smokeless tobacco, with studies indicating that chewing tobacco is associated with an increased risk for oral cancer. Oral cancer can include cancer of the lip, tongue, cheeks, gums, and the floor and roof of the mouth, as well as the tonsils and oropharynx (back of the throat). Smokeless tobacco users also increase their risk of cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx (throat), larynx, and esophagus.
Some other effects of smokeless tobacco include addiction to nicotine, oral leukoplakia (white mouth lesions that can become cancerous), gum disease (periodontal disease), gum recession (when the gum pulls away or recedes from the teeth), loss of bone in the jaw, tooth decay (a result of sugar additives to enhance the flavour of smokeless tobacco), tooth loss, tooth abrasion (worn spots on the teeth), yellowing of the teeth, chronic bad breath, unhealthy eating habits (smokeless tobacco lessens a person’s sense of taste and ability to smell, so users tend to eat excess of saltier and sweeter foods which are harmful), high blood pressure (spit tobacco contains high concentrations of salt), and increased risk for cardiovascular (heart) disease and heart attacks.
Did you know that the average age of first-time users of smokeless tobacco is 10 years old? And that females are also turning to smokeless tobacco as a means to lose or control weight?
Manufacturers of smokeless tobacco often imply or even claim that spit or smokeless tobacco can help people quit smoking. But there’s no proof of the same. In fact, it has led to greater addiction to nicotine (present in abundant smokeless tobacco) and more health risks.
If you use chewing tobacco or other forms of smokeless tobacco, you should consider options to help you quit. Giving up smokeless tobacco is good for the health, with short-term benefits usually including improved appetite, better digestion, and cleaner teeth and gums. Long-term benefits include less chances of cancer, heart diseases, and strokes.
This World No Tobacco Day, lets aim to raise awareness that all tobacco products are harmful and cause cancer, and that the use of such products should be strongly discouraged.
Dr Alok Chopra is the founder and a functional medicine expert at Daivam Wellness.
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